Emperor Junnin (the Deposed Emperor of Awaji)

Emperor Junnin

¶Emperor Junnin's personal name was Ōi. He was a grandson of Emperor Tenmu, and the seventh son of Prince Toneri, who was posthumously honored as Sudō Jinkei Kōtei (Note: the Ichidai Yōki gives him as the second son, but this is mistaken). His mother was a consort, bunin, of the Taima clan, and he was ranked among the imperial princes, ō.

¶In the third month of the first year of Tenpyō-Hōji, the crown prince was deposed. In the fourth month, Empress Kōken summoned the assembled ministers to deliberate on the succession. The Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, and the Minister of Central Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Nagate, favored Prince Shioyaki; the Intendant of Settsu, Funya-no-Chinu, and the Major Controller of the Left, Ōtomo-no-Komaro, favored Prince Ikeda. The Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, said: "None knows his subjects as well as their lord, and none knows a son as well as his father. We should simply follow where the will of Heaven chooses." The empress then declared: "The senior members of the imperial house were but the two princes, Toneri and Niitabe, and so We installed Prince Funado as crown prince. Yet he would not heed Our instruction and admonition, and in the end gave himself over to lechery; for this We deposed him. It is fitting now to choose from among the sons of Prince Toneri. Yet Prince Funa is frivolous and undisciplined, Prince Ikeda is wanting in filial devotion, and Prince Shioyaki was once reproved for discourtesy by the late emperor, Emperor Shōmu. Only Prince Ōi, though not yet grown to his full years, has never been reported guilty of fault or wrongdoing. He should be installed as heir." She thereupon sent the palace attendant, udoneri, Fujiwara-no-Satsuo, together with twenty men of the Central Guards, to welcome the prince to the Tamura mansion, and installed him as crown prince.

¶In the year Tsuchinoe-inu, the second year of Tenpyō-Hōji, in autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-ne, the emperor received the abdicated throne and ascended it at the Daigokuden, the Hall of State (Note: the Ichidai Yōki states that he ascended the throne on the eighteenth day, but this is mistaken; it also states that he made Amakashi Palace in Heijō his capital, but since this work makes no mention of it, it is not recorded here). He was twenty-six years of age at the time (Note: his age follows this work's own statement that he was twenty-five when installed as crown prince, together with the Mizukagami, the Gukanshō, and the Rekidai Kōki). The hundred officials and the Sōgō, the Office of Monastic Affairs, came to the Chōdō, the Courtiers' Hall, and submitted a memorial. They presented Empress Kōken with an honorific title, styling her Jōdai Hōji Shōtoku Kōken Kōtei, and honored the Empress Dowager with the title Chūdai Tenpyō Ōshin Ninshō Kōtaigō. Empress Kōken issued an edict: "We have seen what you, Our ministers, have requested, and this great undertaking is a lofty one indeed; Our reverence and awe before it run deep. Looking upon Our own meager person, how could We be worthy of so fine a name? Yet High Heaven has sent down its protection: the characters upon the curtain proclaimed great peace, the bountiful earth brought forth its auspicious gold, and the markings upon the silkworms gave expression to virtue. Heaven's will cannot be resisted, and We bow to the wishes of the many. Moreover, on learning that an honorific title is also to be presented to the Empress Dowager, feelings of gratitude and joy mingle in Our breast. In accordance with what the ministers have petitioned, and with the request of the venerable elders and the Buddhist clergy, We accept this name of renewal — how could We fail, along with it, to issue an edict washing away the old? The titles of the hundred officials should be changed, and a bounty of generous favor extended. Let all prisoners held captive throughout the realm, whatever the gravity of their offense, be set free." The Shibi Naishō, Inner Minister of the Central Secretariat, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, remained in his post as before (Note: the information from "Shibi Naishō" onward follows the Kugyō Bunin). On the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, an edict was issued: "That a son should honor his father is what the authorities on ritual propriety have always praised; that a great name be inscribed upon the records of state is what men of old have always prized. Of old, the late emperor, Emperor Shōmu, reverently made a great vow and had cast the great gilt-bronze image of the Rushana Buddha. The bronze had already been cast and the image completed, but there was not gold enough to gild it. Heaven, moved by his utmost sincerity, caused the earth to yield up the gold of the Shōhō era. At this the realm first beheld so rare and wondrous a sign; nothing like it has been heard of since the beginning of the world. Moreover, when treacherous subjects harbored evil in their hearts and schemed to endanger the state, all came in the end, in awe of his majesty and might, to submit of their own accord. Truly the virtue of Emperor Shōmu surpasses even that of the ancients. Yet unless this great achievement is honored and made manifest, how shall it be shown to later ages? We therefore, following ancient precedent, posthumously present him with an honorific title, and declare by edict that he shall be called Shōhō Kanjin Shōmu Kōtei, with the posthumous name Amenoshirushi-Kuni-Oshiharaki-Toyosakurahiko-no-Mikoto. We wish this fine name to be handed down for ten thousand generations, and its flourishing achievement extolled for a thousand autumns. Let this be proclaimed far and wide, that all may know Our intent. Hinamishi-no-Miko-no-Mikoto — that is, Prince Kusakabe — is likewise posthumously honored, and shall be called Okanomiya-ni-Ame-no-Shita-Shiroshimeshishi-Sumeramikoto." On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, since the coming year was reckoned to fall under the inauspicious astrological conjunction known as sangō, an imperial order commanded the civil and military hundred officials, together with the aged and the young among the common people of the realm, to recite the Great Perfection of Wisdom, the Makahannya Haramitsu. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, Junior Third Rank Prince Ikeda was sent to announce to the Grand Shrine that an Ise Priestess, Saiō, had been appointed (Note: this work does not record her name; according to the Ichidai Yōki, Princess Yamato-no-Jo was made Ise Priestess this month). Envoys were also sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine and at the shrines of the various provinces, to announce the enthronement. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoe-ne, the Shibi Naishō, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, and the Middle Counselor, Ishikawa-no-Toshitari, were given an edict: "Let the system of offices be reorganized. The Daijōkan, the Great Council of State, shall be called the Kenjōkan; the Chancellor, the Taishi; the Minister of the Left, the Taifu; the Minister of the Right, the Taiho; the Major Counselor, the Gyoshi Taifu; the Shibi Chūdai, the Kongūkan; and the General of the Central Guards, the Taii." On this day, Nakamaro was made Taiho, and was further granted the surname Emi and had his given name changed to Oshikatsu. On the eighteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-i, Ono-no-Tamori arrived from Balhae (Note: this work does not record Tamori's mission to Balhae; this is probably a textual omission). In winter, on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-ne, an edict was issued: "An official is the foundation of the people. If he is frequently transferred, the people do not know whom to follow. Only when he holds his post for long will the people submit to his virtue, follow his teaching, find peace in their work, and trust in his ordinances. In recent years the term of a provincial governor has in every case been limited to four years, but this only wearies the people, and is not enough to let instruction spread. Confucius said: 'Were I to be employed, in three years I should have accomplished something.' If even the virtue of a great sage required three years, how much more an ordinary man? In antiquity, achievements were examined once every three years, and after three such examinations advancement or demotion, chutchoku, was decided; the good were distinguished and the wicked weeded out, so that both ministers and commoners might each exert their full strength. Henceforth, let the term be set at six years, so as to spare the expense of sending off the old and welcoming the new. Every three years let circuit inspectors be sent to examine the results of government and to inquire into the people's hardships. Only after two full terms have elapsed should advancement or demotion be decided, according to the circumstances. By this means may the custom of greed be reformed and changed entirely into one of purity, that the people may set down their burdens and rest, and the granaries be filled." On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoto-u, the emperor came forth to the hall of the Kenjōkan and performed the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite. On the tenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the envoy sent to Balhae, Ono-no-Tamori, reported: "An Lushan has risen in rebellion in Tang, and the country of Tang is in great disorder." An edict was accordingly given to the Dazaifu: "This An Lushan is nothing more than a mad and crafty foreign upstart. Since he defies Heaven and transgresses against his superiors, his undertaking is bound to fail. Should he find himself unable to achieve his aims in the west, he may well turn instead to plunder the lands of the east — that is, Japan. The men of old said: 'Even wasps and scorpions carry poison; how much more so a man.' The Governor-General of the Dazaifu, Prince Funa, and the Senior Assistant Governor-General, Kibi-no-Ason Makibi, are both men of broad learning, renowned in the present age, and ever in Our thoughts. We entrust you with this grave charge: take note of these circumstances, and make preparations beforehand."

¶In the year Tsuchinoto-i, the third year, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Kanoe-uma, Balhae sent tribute (Note: this work writes "Goguryeo." On consideration, Goguryeo had by this time already fallen, and Balhae held its former territory. This work raises its old name and writes "Balhae" and "Goguryeo" interchangeably; here it is uniformly rendered "Balhae," to reflect the reality, and the same is followed hereafter). On the seventh day, the day Kinoe-inu, the New Year's banquet, Setsue, was cancelled on account of rain. On the first day of the third month, the day Hinoto-u, there was a solar eclipse. In summer, on the ninth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the Retired Empress Kōken issued an edict: "We, lonely and benighted, have reverently succeeded to this glorious line. As a mother We look over the realm, and as a parent We rear the myriad people. Seeing the slightest fault in a single thing, We feel the regret that the sage-king Yao must have felt at his own want of universal grace; hearing that there is guilt anywhere within the four quarters, We feel the shame that King Tang felt in holding himself to blame. Now, though the great disorder has already been put down and the rebellious subjects driven far away, calamities of Heaven still often appear, and flood damage has come one after another. We fear in secret that Our hearing is cut off from the people, so that many nurse unredressed wrongs, and that Our mirror does not reach to every corner of the realm, so that households harbor hidden grief. We wish to gather good counsel widely, and to seek out sound policy on every side; to rely on the wisdom of the many to benefit the state, and on the insight of the many to profit the people. Let the hundred officials of the fifth rank and above, and the Buddhist clergy of the rank of master and above, each set down their views in writing, seal them, and present them as memorials. Let them speak directly and answer honestly, concealing nothing and shrinking from nothing. We shall deliberate with Our ministers, and weigh carefully what is right and what is not. None should falsely praise Our sacred virtue, nor flatter idly merely to gain favor; none should refuse to speak to Our face and then slander behind Our back. Let this be proclaimed far and near, that all may know Our intent" (Note: this work states that an honorific title was presented to Empress Kōken, but does not record that she became Retired Empress. Since the proclamation of the sixth month of the third year of Tenpyō-Hōji contains the phrase "Our sovereign, the sacred Retired Empress," she is here accordingly called Retired Empress, following that text). On this day, an edict ordered that ever-normal granaries, jōheisō, be established in the several provinces. On the second day of the sixth month, the day Hinoe-saru, on the memorial of the monk Fushō, an edict ordered fruit trees to be planted along the roadsides, so that travelers might rest in their shade and eat of their fruit (Note: "the second day" onward follows the Mizukagami; the Genkō Shakusho places this in the previous year). On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict declared: "Our late father, Prince Toneri, is posthumously honored as Sudō Jinkei Kōtei. Our mother, Consort Taima, is honored as Grand Consort, and her brothers and sisters are made princes and princesses." On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, intending to attack Silla, an edict ordered the Dazaifu to draw up regulations for the conduct of the campaign. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, an edict was issued: "In governing a state nothing surpasses the choosing of men. When men are chosen and entrusted according to their ability, the people are at peace and the state prospers. At present the officials, within the court and without, know nothing of modesty and integrity, and set their minds on greed and theft. How could this truly be their nature from birth, that all should be so unworthy? It is rather, perhaps, that the instruction of their superiors has proved insufficient. Guidance and teaching should be given, that each may establish a good name, and that, in accordance with the Ijō Tenkun's instruction for safeguarding the imperial house, they may set forth the proper scope of government and make plain the discipline needed to govern themselves. The ritsuryō codes and their supplementary regulations record the essential business of the present age, and furnish the framework of the several offices; both exhaust the way of pacifying the state and governing the people, and fulfill what is needed to aid the world and assist its instruction. Yet if fathers and elder brothers do not know them, how can they guide their sons and younger brothers? If officials do not practice them, how can they teach the gentry and commoners? Should there be any who cultivate the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity, who guard against the vices of greed, anger, folly, lust, and theft, and who moreover read these two works — the ritsuryō and supplementary codes, and the Ijō Tenkun — let them be recommended and considered, and advanced according to their degree. Henceforth, none but such men shall be given office. Clerks, shishō, and above should be made to censure evil and encourage good, valuing reputation over material gain." On this day, the hundred officials and the Buddhist clergy of the rank of master each submitted sealed memorials setting out their views. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-mi, an edict ordered ponds for the release of living creatures, hōjōike, to be established in the several provinces, and strictly forbade fishing there (Note: "the twenty-third day" onward follows the Ruijū Kokushi). In autumn, on the sixth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, the Governor-General of the Dazaifu, Prince Funa, was sent to the Kashii Shrine to announce the planned conquest of Silla. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, there was a great storm at the Dazaifu. On the nineteenth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, an edict ordered the several provinces to build five hundred warships, in preparation for the conquest of Silla. In winter, in the tenth month, there was a great storm in the home provinces, and dwellings were destroyed. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-ne, this year's rice-field tax was remitted for those who had suffered the storm damage. On the ninth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, an edict was given to the eight provinces of Bandō: "Should Mutsu send urgent word requesting aid, let each province dispatch two thousand soldiers, and select one capable governor from among their number to lead them to the rescue." On this day, the plans for the twin provincial temples were distributed throughout the realm. On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Hora Palace was built. In the tenth month, on the second day, the day Kinoe-uma, the Judōei, the Guard of the Sword-Bearers, was established.

¶In the year Kanoe-ne, the fourth year, in spring, on the second day of the first month, the day Kinoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the mansion of the Taiho, Fujiwara-no-Emi-no-Oshikatsu. On the fourth day, the day Hinoe-tora, he attended upon the Retired Empress at the Uchi-no-Anden, the Inner Hall. Oshikatsu was made Taishi. On the fifth day, the day Hinoto-u, Balhae sent tribute, and the emperor, attending the Retired Empress, made a progress to Oshikatsu's mansion. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, circuit inspectors were sent to the seven circuits: the Junior Assistant Minister of Civil Personnel, Fujiwara-no-Kaedemaro, for Tōkaidō; the Junior Assistant Minister of Popular Affairs, Ishikawa-no-Kiminari, for Tōzandō; the Junior Secretary of Kawachi, Isonokami-no-Okitsugu, for Hokurikudō; the Assistant Governor of Owari, Ōmi-no-Mifune, for San'indō; the Minor Controller of the Right, Fuse-no-Hitonushi, for San'yōdō; the Director of the Bureau of Medicine, Uma-no-Emimaro, for Nankaidō; and the Junior Assistant Minister of Military Affairs, Ki-no-Ushikai, for Saikaidō (Note: this work places this entry above the entry for the day Hinoe-tora, but it is now placed under the day Kinoe-ne). On the twenty-ninth day of the second month, the day Kanoe-saru, a Ninnōe assembly was held in the palace and at Tōdaiji. On the sixteenth day of the third month, the day Hinoto-ushi, an edict ordered new coinage to be minted, with gold and silver coins both put into circulation. In summer, on the twenty-third day of the intercalary fourth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Daihannyakyō, was read through by alternate recitation in the palace. On the eighteenth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, sutras were chanted at the six great temples of the capital. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, an edict was issued: "We have heard that of late an epidemic is raging, and the people suffer from hunger. Let the circuit inspectors, together with the provincial governors, personally inquire after the sufferings of the aged, the widowers, widows, the solitary, the disabled, and those who have fallen ill with the epidemic, throughout the realm, and give them relief, shingō." On the seventh day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the Empress Dowager Tenpyō Ōshin Ninshō — Empress Dowager Kōmyō — died. On the day Mizunoto-u, the Empress Dowager was buried (Note: on reckoning the sexagenary cycle now, this month begins with the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, and contains no day Mizunoto-u; there would seem to be some error here).

¶In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, there was a solar eclipse. On the eighteenth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-i, the court removed to the Oharida Palace. On the sixteenth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-u, Silla sent an envoy to pay tribute, but since he was lacking in proper courtesy, he was turned away. In winter, on the sixth day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, it was the winter solstice, Nichinanshi. An edict was issued: "In former years the rebellious faction had cast a net of suspicion over every household. This year's circuit inspections find the people in awe of the law. The men of old said: 'That a thief should eye the master of the house has its own cause.' We examine Ourself and reproach Our own conduct, for the blame returns to the sovereign alone. Pondering this quietly, Our heart burns with care. Does not the Classic of Documents itself say that virtue lies in good government, and government in the nurture of the people? Now the yang force of spring first stirs, the winter solstice has already come, the powers of earth nurture all things, and the way of Heaven renews life once more. We should receive the bounty of earth and extend Our benevolence, and follow the way of Heaven and send down Our grace, that the people may be made new together with the turning season. Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, an edict ordered that the tombs of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager both be called misasagi, imperial mausolea, and that death-day observances, kokki, be established for them. In this year there was famine in Kōzuke. Epidemic disease spread in Ise, Shima, Ōmi, Mino, Wakasa, Hōki, Iwami, Harima, Bitchū, Bingo, Aki, Suō, Kii, Awaji, Sanuki, and Iyo. Relief was given to each in turn.

¶In the year Kanoto-ushi, the fifth year, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-i, since the new palace was not yet complete, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. On the seventh day, the day Mizunoto-mi, on the recommendation of the Taishikyoku, the Bureau of the Calendar, the court removed to the Oharida-no-Okamoto Palace. On the eleventh day, the day Hinoto-tori, it returned from the Oharida Palace and took up residence at the offices of the Ministry of Military Affairs. In this month, an edict ordered ordination platforms, kaidan, to be built at Yakushiji in Shimotsuke and at Kanzeonji in Tsukushi (Note: "this month" onward follows the Genkō Shakusho and the Teiō Hennenki). On the twenty-fourth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, Prince Chihara was exiled to Tanegashima. In summer, on the seventeenth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-uma, the Assistant Governor of Yamato, Heki-no-Mau, was rewarded for his integrity and diligence with a gift of a thousand sheaves of rice. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse. On the second day, the day Kinoe-saru, on the recommendation of the circuit inspectors, the seven provinces of Tsukushi were ordered to make armor, swords, bows, and arrows, in preparation against the unforeseen. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, since the embankment of the Aratama River in Tōtōmi had broken, it was repaired. On the first day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, an edict was issued: "On examining the recent memorials of the circuit inspectors of the seven circuits, We find that in not a single province is the governance of its chief officer carried out fairly. Those who are greedy and corrupt are many, and those who are pure and upright are few. We have heard it said that when an unworthy man is entrusted with office, all affairs fall into disorder, but when a man is given a task suited to his talent, all business is well managed. The post of provincial governor in particular involves the direct oversight of the common people, the guidance of their customs, and compassionate care for them; it requires especially careful selection, and must without fail go to one truly fit for the charge. Yet there are those who show no filial devotion within their own households and no loyalty to the state, who forget righteousness at the sight of profit and forget shame at the sight of wealth, whose dealings with superiors violate propriety and whose dealings with inferiors are full of flattery, who govern without benevolence and deal harshly with the people. When sent to a post on the frontier, such a man feigns grave illness; when appointed to an important office, he is first among those eager to accept it. He heeds no instruction and follows no statute. His mind is set only on gain, and he skillfully twists the law, gradually corrupting the sovereign's own civilizing influence. Such men corrupt good custom and disorder the realm. Even were such a man as talented as the Duke of Zhou, he would not be worth employing. He should be sent back to the fields and made to labor at farming. Should there be those who repent their faults and resolve to reform themselves, they shall without fail be rewarded; those who do not turn back from their wayward path shall be demoted and set aside for life. Let this be proclaimed far and near, and made known to all." On the twelfth day, the day Kinoe-ne, the emperor, attending the Retired Empress, made a progress to Yakushiji and worshipped the Buddha, then returned and feasted at the mansion of the Director of the Judōei, Fujiwara-no-Mitate. In winter, on the thirteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-ne, he made a progress to the Hora Palace. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-uma, the imperial carriage visited the mansion of the Ōmi Inspector, Azechi, Fujiwara-no-Mitate, and then that of the Taishi, Oshikatsu, where a feast was held and gifts bestowed on the attendant officials, each according to standing. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoto-tori, the Director of the Right Palace Guards, Naka-no-Iwatomo, was made chief envoy to Tang; the Governor of Kazusa, Isonokami-no-Yakatsugu, his deputy; and the Assistant Governor of Musashi, Koma-no-Ōyama, envoy to Balhae. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, for the repair of the Heijō Palace, the court removed for a time to the Hora Palace. An edict was issued: "This year's rice-field tax of Ōmi, the Left and Right Capitals, Yamato, Izumi, and Yamashiro is remitted, and a special local amnesty, kyokusha, is granted to Ōmi." On the seventeenth day of the eleventh month, Junior Fourth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Emi-no-Asakari was made Commissioner of Military Affairs, setsudoshi, for Tōkaidō; Junior Third Rank Kudara-no-Kyōfuku, Commissioner for Nankaidō; and Senior Fourth Rank Lower Kibi-no-Makibi, Commissioner for Saikaidō. Three hundred and ninety-four ships and forty thousand seven hundred soldiers were mustered, and all were exempted from the rice-field tax for three years, that they might practice mounted archery and battle tactics, and make weapons besides. In this year the five grains failed to ripen, and many died of starvation (Note: "in this year" onward follows the edict of the seventh year of Tenpyō-Hōji).

¶In the year Mizunoe-tora, the sixth year, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, since the palace buildings were not yet complete, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. On the second day, the day Kanoto-mi, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the Dazaifu was ordered to make twenty thousand two hundred and fifty suits of cotton-padded armor and helmets, men'ōchū. On the sixth day of the second month, the day Kinoto-u, a thousand suits of cotton armor, men-katchū, were made and issued to the Chinkoku Guard. In summer, on the eighth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoto-mi, the embankment of the Sayama Pond in Kawachi was repaired. On the ninth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-i, there was an earthquake in Mino, Hida, and Shinano. Grain was given to those affected, two koku to each household. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoto-ushi, the imperial carriage returned to the Heijō Palace, and took up residence at the Chūgūin, the Middle Palace. The Retired Empress took up residence at Hokkeji. On the third day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-inu, the Retired Empress summoned those of the fifth rank and above to the Chōdō and declared by edict that she would henceforth decide the great affairs of state in person. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the Nagase embankment in Kawachi was repaired. In autumn, on the eleventh day of the eighth month, the day Hinoto-mi, the Governor of the Left and Right Capitals, Fujiwara-no-Emi-no-Kusumaro, and the Senior Assistant Minister of Civil Personnel, Nakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, were made to attend at the Chūgūin and relay the imperial commands. In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-uma, Iki-no-Masumaro and his party arrived from Balhae (Note: on consideration of this work, the chief envoy, Koma-no-Ōyama, fell ill aboard ship and died, and so the deputy envoy, Masumaro, returned bearing the mission in his stead). On the third day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-ushi, the Gyoshi Taifu, Funya-no-Kiyomi, and others were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoe-tora, the Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Kosemaro, and others were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Kashii Shrine, and to announce that troops were being mustered and trained for the conquest of Silla. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-ne, offerings, heihaku, and bows and arrows were presented to the gods of Heaven and earth throughout the realm. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, to the assembled gods throughout the realm. In this year there was drought in Owari, Mikawa, Tōtōmi, Shimōsa, Mino, Noto, Bitchū, Bingo, and Sanuki. There was famine in the home provinces, and in Ise, Owari, Tōtōmi, Ōmi, Mino, Wakasa, Echizen, Iwami, and Bizen. Epidemic disease spread in Mutsu. Relief was given to each in turn.

¶In the year Mizunoto-u, the seventh year, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Hinoe-uma, Balhae sent tribute. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, an edict was issued: "We have heard that in the fifth year of Tenpyō-Hōji past, the five grains failed to ripen, and many died of hunger. All public and private debts owed from before that fifth year should be forgiven." On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoe-saru, the Balhae envoy reported: "The disorder in Tang has not yet subsided." An edict was accordingly given to the Dazaifu: "Tang is in a state of turmoil, and it is difficult for Our mission to get through. As for the Tang subjects Shen Weiyue and his party, let them be given generous provision and care. Should any wish to return home out of longing for their native land, let a ship be furnished and they be sent off." On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-ne, an archery ceremony, uchi-no-i, was held at the palace. On the tenth day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, Silla sent an envoy to present tribute, but he was turned away. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-inu, since the price of rice in the capital had risen sharply, grain from the granaries of the Left and Right Capitals was sold off. On the twenty-eighth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-uma, on account of drought, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the gods of the four home provinces. In autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, an edict was issued: "We have heard that last year there was long rain, and this year drought, so that the five grains have failed to ripen, the price of rice has soared, and the common people are starving and dying of disease (Note: on consideration of this work, it records only drought for last year, and makes no mention of long rain; this is probably a textual omission). Every time We think on this, Our heart truly aches with grief. This year's rice-field tax of the capital and home provinces and the seven circuits should be remitted." On the eighteenth day, since the provinces of San'yōdō, Nankaidō, and the other circuits had suffered drought, the commissioners of military affairs for those two circuits were recalled. On this day, the Gihō calendar was abolished, and the Taien calendar put into use. On the first day of the ninth month, the day Kanoe-ne, an edict was issued: "The dead from epidemic disease have been many, flood and drought have come at unseasonable times, and fires caused by lightning strikes have often occurred, destroying public property. This is the fault of provincial and district governors who have failed to serve the gods with due reverence. Moreover, ten days of drought bring the grief of scorched and withered fields, and several days of long rain bring the lament of homes swept away; this is the error of provincial and district governors who employ the people at the wrong season and fail to maintain the embankments and weirs. Henceforth, should there be such men, let all of clerk rank, sakan, and above be removed from their posts, rather than be left long in office to burden and disturb the people. Good men of talent should be sought out and quickly promoted in their place. The incompetent should be sent back to the fields, and the worthy kept in office, each made to attend diligently to his own duties, so that they bring no further grief upon the people." On the fourth day, the day Mizunoto-u, the monk Dōkyō was made Shōsōzu, Junior Prelate. In winter, on the fourth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the emperor made a progress to Yamashiro. In this year there was famine in Yamato, Kawachi, Settsu, Owari, Ōmi, Mino, Shinano, Mutsu, Dewa, Echizen, Noto, Tanba, Tango, Harima, Bizen, Bitchū, Bingo, Awaji, Awa, Sanuki, and Iyo. Epidemic disease spread in Settsu, Yamashiro, Iga, and Iki. Relief was given to each in turn. In Tajima, Hōki, Izumo, and Iwami the grain harvest failed, and envoys were sent to investigate the damage.

¶In the year Kinoe-tatsu, the eighth year, in spring, on the nineteenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, since Awaji had repeatedly suffered drought, seed grain was given out. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, an edict was issued: "Words that relieve urgent distress are what the sages of old set down as a matter of righteousness; the grace of saving men from hunger is a way long practiced. In recent years flood and drought have occurred, and the people have grown somewhat destitute. At the markets of the eastern and western capitals there are many who beg for food. When We consider that they have lost their homes, Our heart aches as though for those fallen into a ditch. Yet We have heard that the Lesser Secretary of the Board of Censors, Senior Eighth Rank Upper Haji-no-Shimamura, brought out food he had stored and used it to support more than ten people who were destitute and near death. Though the deed is small, it should in righteousness be praised. Let him accordingly be granted one rank. Henceforth, should there be others of this kind, let the proper offices investigate and report the facts to the court." This spring there was famine in Settsu, Izumo, Iwami, Harima, Bizen, Bitchū, and Bingo, and epidemic disease in Shima. Relief was given to each in turn. In summer, on the sixteenth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, on account of drought, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the shrines of the home provinces. This summer there was famine in Mimasaka, Awa, Sanuki, and Iyo, and epidemic disease in Awaji. Relief was given to each. In autumn, on the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoe-ne, the Commissioner of Military Affairs for Tōkaidō was recalled. On the third day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the storehouse of the Treasury caught fire. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, envoys were sent to Yamato, Kawachi, Yamashiro, Ōmi, Tanba, Harima, and Sanuki to have ponds dug. On the second day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-saru, the Taishi, Oshikatsu, was made commissioner overseeing the military affairs of the four home provinces, the three barrier-gates, and the provinces of Ōmi, Tanba, and Harima. On the eleventh day, the day Kinoto-mi, Oshikatsu rose in rebellion. He fled to Ōmi and took it as his base, and set up Hikami-no-Shioyaki, elder brother of Prince Funado, styling him emperor. Junior Fifth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Kurajimaro was ordered by edict to lead troops and subdue him. On this day, the Councillor, Kibi-no-Makibi, was made concurrently General of the Central Guards (Note: "on this day" onward follows this work's own entry for the tenth month of the sixth year of Hōki; since only the year, and not the month or day, is given there, the Kugyō Bunin is followed here). On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the Supernumerary Governor-General of the Dazaifu, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, was once more made Minister of the Right. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, Oshikatsu and Shioyaki were put to death, and the remnants of their faction were entirely suppressed. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-tora, the Retired Empress issued a decree: "The monk Dōkyō is made Daijin Zenji, Grand Minister and Meditation Master, with official stipend households equal to those of a minister." On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Retired Empress ordered by edict: "Let all the office names changed by Oshikatsu be restored to their former names." This autumn there was epidemic disease in Iwami and famine in Tanegashima; relief was given to each. There was drought and epidemic disease in San'yōdō and Nankaidō. In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the Office of Falconry, Hōyōshi, was abolished, and the Office for the Release of Living Creatures, Hōjōshi, was established.

¶On the ninth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, the Retired Empress sent the Minister of Military Affairs, Prince Wake, the Captain of the Left Palace Guards, Prince Yamamura, and the General of the Outer Guards, Kudara-no-Kyōfuku, leading several hundred soldiers, to surround the Chūgūin. They deposed the emperor and made him Lord of Awaji. The emperor, thrown into panicked haste, had no time even to dress or put on his shoes. The messengers hurried him on. His attendants scattered and fled, and only two or three remained to accompany him. On foot he made his way to the northwest of the Zushoryō, the Bureau of Books and Drawings, and together with his mother, Lady Taima, reached the Oko Gate, where he was placed upon a post-horse. The Captain of the Right Palace Guards, Fujiwara-no-Kurajimaro, was sent to escort him under guard to his place of exile, where he was confined within a single building. The Retired Empress once more took the reins of government into her own hands.

¶In the second month of the following year, an edict was given to the Governor of Awaji, Saeki-no-Tasuku: "We have heard that the banished criminal is gradually plotting to escape. If there is truth in this, why have you not reported it at once? Go and keep watch over him, and report back on his movements." A further decree declared: "Among the court officials there are some who are secretly in sympathy with the Lord of Awaji, and who scheme for his restoration. Yet he is by nature foolish and benighted, and unfit to govern the realm; he joined the rebel faction, and all but overturned the state. How could such a man be allowed to rule the four seas again? Let treacherous plots be cut off at the root, and let Our decree be obeyed." From this time the watch over him grew ever stricter. On the twenty-second day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, unable to bear his grief and resentment, he climbed over the wall and fled. Saeki-no-Tasuku and others led troops to intercept and strike him down. The next day he died within the compound (Note: the Ichidai Yōki states that he died in the ninth month, but this is mistaken). He was thirty-three years of age (Note: his age follows this work's own statement that he was twenty-five when installed as crown prince, together with the Kōdaiki and the Jinnō Shōtōki).

¶In the eighth month of the third year of Hōki, Emperor Kōnin sent Junior Fifth Rank Lower Prince Mikata and others to Awaji to have him reburied. A vegetarian feast was held and monks were ordained for his sake, that merit might be performed for him in perpetuity. In the third month of the ninth year, an edict declared: "The grave shall be called a misasagi, imperial mausoleum. The grave of his mother, Lady Taima, shall be called Mihaka. One household is appointed to guard the tomb" (Note: the Engishiki and the Mizukagami both state that the mausoleum of the Deposed Emperor lies in Mihara District, Awaji).